We use cookies to help provide you with the best possible online experience. By using this site, you agree that we may store and access cookies on your device. You can find out more and set your preferences here.
Protect your identity
How to keep your identity secure
It can take a lot of time and patience to resolve identity fraud issues. So what can you do to protect yourself?
Keep your valuable document secure
It's vital you look after any identity documents such as your passport and driving licence.
When you're not using them, items such as passports, birth certificates, cheque books and receipts are best kept in a locked drawer. Please also remember to keep your cheque books separate from your bank cards at all times.
Destroy all unwanted paperwork
It's vital you look after any identity documents such as your passport and driving licence.
Don't give criminals a leg up. Always shred all important personal and financial paperwork when you don't need it any longer. If you don't do this, criminals could establish your name, address and other details by going through your household rubbish and then use any information they gather to apply for credit, goods or services in your name.
Paperwork to shred includes:
- Old bank, credit card and financial statements
- Old credit card receipts
- Any partly completed application forms carrying your personal details
- Insurance renewal notices
- Partly completed Direct Debit or Standing Order mandates
- Any mail-shots with your name and address on them
Also, don't forget to cut up all expired plastic cards.
We may need to contact you from time to time to confirm details of certain transactions on your account, should they look unusual in comparison with routine items normally seen. This can significantly reduce the impact of financial crime.
It's crucial that if you change your name, address or contact telephone numbers (including your mobile number), you let us know immediately.
Much financial crime can go undetected for long periods, simply because victims are not aware it has happened. It may be weeks or months before fraud is spotted.
It's therefore vital that you carefully check all bank, credit card and any other statements when you receive them. If there are transactions that you don't recognise, please report the details immediately to your branch or card issuer. They will then be able to help you sort out the problems.
Remember that your post could be invaluable information in the wrong hands. So if you fail to receive a bank or credit card statement or any other expected financial information, tell your bank or card issuer. If you are in the process of changing address, make sure you arrange to have all your mail re-directed.
Phishing (pronounced 'fishing') is a con trick used by criminals to get hold of your personal information. Never respond to any unexpected or suspicious emails - and don't click on any attachments within such emails.
Phishing typically happens when criminals send convincing looking but fraudulent emails, although they have also been known to use phone contact.
These emails are often sent to thousands of individuals - in the hope that some will be hoodwinked into supplying personal information. This may include user names, email addresses, passwords, bank account, and credit card details
Look out for phishing emails that contain...
- Casual or informal wording that's not in the normal style of an email from a legitimate company
- Familiar language or tone but poor grammar and spelling
- 'Verify your account' request - banks will never ask you to enter full account details, passwords or PINs onto a website
- 'There is a secure message waiting for you' - these messages work by putting the emphasis on reading a message - not your actual account. However, the link in the email will still ask for your personal account details
- 'If you don't respond within 48 hours, your account will be closed' - such messages convey a sense of urgency that can make you respond immediately without thinking. Phishing emails might even claim that your response is required because your account may have been compromised
- 'Click the link below to gain access to your account' - sophisticated email messages can contain links or forms that you may fill out just as you would do on a legitimate website
- 'Dear valued customer' - phishing emails are usually sent out in bulk and often do not contain your first name or surname
If you suspect a phishing attack, call our Internet Helpdesk 1850 300 365 links to or forward the suspect email as an attachment to phishing@ulsterbank.com.
Find your local business centre/branch
enter your location or postcode
Get added protection against online fraud
Find out more about Rapport, our free security software
